Cable storage

ABSTRACT

Storage device for a cable. Two spaced flange parts are connected by an intermediate connection part. The connection part functions as reel for the cable to be stored while the flange parts enclose the cable in storage position. The flange parts and the intermediate parts are integrally mould from an elastomeric plastic material by injection moulding.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device for cables moreparticular a storage device for domestic application

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Storage devices for cables are known. A particular commerciallysuccessful storage device comprises two opposite flange parts connectedby a separate intermediate connection part. The intermediate connectionpart functions as reel for winding the cable while the flange part,having a relatively large dimension, function to fully enclose thecable. The flange parts are made from a deformable material and biassedto a comb shape. The dimensions of the comb and the length of theintermediate connection part are such that the extremities of the flangeparts attach each other if no cable is present.

[0003] Although commercially successful, it is difficult to obtain suchcable storage devices. Assembly is complicated. For assembly it would beadvantageous if the separate intermediate connection part could beeasily brought into engagement with both flange parts. However, thiswould also mean that it would be relatively easy for the user toseparate the flange part from the intermediate connecting part. This isnot desirable and because of that there is a very tight fit between theintermediate part and the flange part. In contrast to the flange part,the intermediate part is made from a rigid polymer material.

[0004] At the connection between the connection part and the flangepart, the flange part should be thickened to obtain sufficient strengthto be clamped around the connection part. This means that additionalplastic material is used and the thickness at the centre of the storageis “double” i.e. comprises the intermediate part overlayed by thethickened flange part.

[0005] The invention aims to provide a storage device which can easilybe produced and preferably be produced in one step by injectionmoulding.

[0006] It is a further aim of the invention to provide a storage devicewhich has a larger storage capacity at the same outer dimensions.

[0007] It is a yet further aim of the invention to provide a storagedevice comprising less plastic material.

[0008] It is another aim of the subject invention to provide a storagedevice made from plastic materials which are usual in the art.

[0009] A further aim of the invention is to provide a storage devicewherein the connection between the connection part and the flange partis ensured under all circumstances.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a storage device for acable is provided comprising two spaced flange parts connected by anintermediate connecting part, wherein said connecting part and saidflange part are integrally moulded.

[0011] According to a further aspect of the invention the flange partsare comb shaped and have two stable positions, the first position inwhich the cavity of the comb is directed to the opposed flange part anda second position in which the cavity of the comb is directed away fromthe opposed flange part.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the flange partsand the connection part comprise an elastomeric plastic material.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention one of said flangeparts is provided with a recess at its circumference.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention one of said flangeparts comprises a circumferential bead.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention the storage deviceis realized in a one step by injection moulding.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of theinvention in a first position and having a cut out for elucidationpurposes;

[0017]FIG. 2 is the storage device according to FIG. 1 in a secondposition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In FIGS. 1 and 2 a preferred embodiment of the invention isshown. The storage is generally referred to by 1 and comprises twoflange parts 2 and 3. These flange parts are integrally moulded to aconnection part 4. As is clear from FIGS. 1 and 2 the flange parts havea comb shape. Two stable positions can be obtained, the first positionshown in FIG. 1 which is the position of use wherein the circumferentialedges having a bead 5 are directed towards each other. A recess 6 isprovided as outlet/inlet for cable 7.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows the second stable position in which the flanges aremoved away from each other i.e. the combs defined by the flanges are inopposite directions. This is the position of moulding. I.e. if thestorage according to the invention, is produced by injection moulding,which is presently preferred, it will leave the mould in the conditionas shown in FIG. 2. By simply bringing the circumferential edges of theflange parts 2, 3 together, the storage device will flip into the secondstable position thereof and the device according to FIG. 1 will beobtained.

[0020] According to the invention the connection part 4 is integrallymoulded with flange parts 2 and 3. This obviates later assembly of theflange parts 2 and 3 with the connection part 4. Furthermore a verysecure connection between connection part 4 and flange part 2 and 3 canbe obtained whilst a relatively limited amount of plastic material isused. Because of integrally moulding flange parts 2 and 3 to connectionpart 4, these flange parts do not have to be thickened adjacent to theconnection part as in the prior art meaning that the storage capacityincreases.

[0021] In this prior art storage each of the flange parts are providedwith a sleeve to be arranged around an intermediate connection part. Thesleeve ends of both flange parts abut each other in the assembledcondition. This means that in the assembled condition the core isrealized by an outer sleeve comprising to sleeve halves of the flangeparts and an inner sleeve comprising the connection part. Both sleevesshould be relatively thick to obtain sufficient strength a stability ofthe structure. This means that at the same outward dimensions of theinventive storage device more cable volume can be received.

[0022] By adjusting tie thickness of the connection part the stiffnessof the storage device can be easily controlled. It is not longernecessary to take other design features in considerations such as therequirement of a secure connection between the connection part and theflanges 2 and 3.

[0023] The storage 1 is preferably injection moulded from an elastomericplastic material.

[0024] Because of integrally moulding connection part 4 and flanges 2and 3 the design adjacent to the transition between connection part 4and flanges 2 and 3 can be changed with regard to the prior art designs.More particular the curvature of the flanges can increase allowing for afurther increase in the volume.

[0025] In a further embodiment (not shown) connection part 4 can besolid i.e. the ends of both flange parts 2 and 3 can be closed. Thismeans that no longer there is a central opening extending from flangepart 2 to flange part 3 but each of the flanges is a smoothly curveditem.

[0026] Although the invention has been disclosed referring to apreferred embodiment, it will be immediately clear for the personskilled in the art that alternatives are possible within the range ofthe appended claims.

1. Storage device for a cable comprising two spaced flange partsconnected by an intermediate connecting part, wherein said connectingpart and said flange part are integrally moulded.
 2. Storage deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said flange parts are comb shaped and havetwo stable positions, the first position in which the cavity of the combis directed to the opposed flange part and a second position in whichthe cavity of the comb is directed away from the opposed flange part. 3.Storage device according to claim 1, wherein said flange part and saidconnection part comprise an elastomeric plastic material
 4. Storagedevice according to claim 1, wherein one of said flange parts isprovided with a recess at its circumference.
 5. Storage device accordingto claim 1, wherein one of said flange parts comprises a circumferentialbead.
 6. Storage device according to claim 1, wherein the centre of aflange part is closed.
 7. Storage device according to claim 1, realizedby injection moulding.